Charitable Giving

AARP Texas Chapter Donates Homemade Hats to Sick Children

Celebrate Older Americans Month by Getting Involved

Members of Chapter 950 recently donated 100 beanies and chullos (caps with ear flaps) to PediPlace, a neighborhood pediatric health center that provides care for children without insurance or who receive Medicaid or CHIP benefits. The project was part of the chapter's contribution to Create The Good, an AARP effort designed to connect folks with volunteer opportunities in their communities.

"We were looking for community service projects," said chapter member Linda Lane. "I had the good fortune to be asked by Bobbie Collier, chairman of our service committee, to go to PediPlace and see where we could help."

It was winter when Linda visited the clinic and staff told her that many of the children needed gloves and hats.

"We couldn't make gloves, but then I found a pattern online for hats," Linda said. "I thought, 'We can do this,' and the rest of the committee was right there, ready."

Lane cut out the patterns, using fleece purchased with chapter funds or through donations, and other volunteers put them together. Some are hand-sewn, others are machine-stitched.

"The nurses let us know the kids love the beanies and chullos," said Chapter President Jean McGee.

"Our chapter has always focused on how we could give back in our community," Lane said.

Members recently also participated in a food drive and are taking part in the annual back-to-school drive.

"We do what we can to make an impact in the community," Lane said. "These hats are a small thing. But you know, somebody once told me that 'a warm hat is like a hug' and we can't always give kids hugs these days, but we can give them a hat."